Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering journey that will transform your backyard barbecue into a gourmet flavor adventure! These Smoked Hot Honey Ribs aren't just a meal; they're a culinary masterpiece that combines the smoky depth of perfectly cooked ribs with a tantalizing sweet and spicy glaze that will have your guests begging for your secret recipe. Get ready to elevate your grilling game and become the neighborhood BBQ legend you were always meant to be!
Prep Time: 30 mins
Cook Time: 3 hrs
Total Time: 3 hrs 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 racks of spare ribs
- 1 cup hot honey
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing your ribs. Remove the membrane from the back of the spare ribs by sliding a knife under the membrane at one end and pulling it off with your fingers. This will help the ribs become more tender and allow the flavors to penetrate better.
- Rinse the ribs under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, ensuring an even coating.
- In a small bowl, combine the smoked paprika and garlic powder. Rub this spice mixture all over the ribs, making sure to cover every inch for maximum flavor.
- Prepare your smoker according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you are using a charcoal grill, set it up for indirect heat and add wood chips (such as hickory or applewood) to create smoke.
- Once your smoker is ready, place the ribs on the grill grates bone side down. Close the lid and smoke the ribs at a consistent temperature of around 225°F (107°C) for about
- 5 hours. Maintain the temperature by adding more charcoal or wood chips as needed.
- While the ribs are smoking, prepare the hot honey glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the hot honey and apple cider vinegar. Heat over low to medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally. This will help to meld the flavors together.
- After
- 5 hours of smoking, remove the ribs from the smoker and brush a generous amount of the hot honey glaze over the top of the ribs. Reserve some glaze for serving later.
- Wrap the glazed ribs tightly in aluminum foil, creating a sealed packet. This will help to steam the ribs and make them even more tender. Return the wrapped ribs to the smoker for an additional 30 minutes.
- After the 30 minutes, carefully remove the ribs from the foil (watch out for steam) and place them back on the smoker grates. Brush on more of the hot honey glaze and let them cook uncovered for an additional 15-30 minutes, until the glaze is sticky and caramelized.
- Once the ribs are done, remove them from the smoker and let them rest for about 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat.
- Slice the ribs between the bones and serve with the reserved hot honey glaze on the side. Enjoy your delicious Smoked Hot Honey Ribs!
Tips
- Membrane Matters: Always remove the tough membrane from the back of the ribs. This simple step ensures more tender, flavorful meat that literally falls off the bone.
- Temperature is Key: Maintain a consistent smoker temperature around 225°F. Fluctuations can lead to uneven cooking and tough meat.
- Wood Chip Selection: Choose your wood chips wisely! Hickory and applewood provide the best complementary flavors for pork ribs.
- Glaze Technique: Apply the hot honey glaze in layers. Multiple light coatings create a more complex, caramelized exterior.
- Resting is Crucial: Never skip the 10-minute resting period after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Foil Wrapping Trick: The foil wrap method helps steam the ribs, making them incredibly tender without drying out the meat.Pro tip: If you don't have a smoker, you can achieve similar results using a charcoal grill with indirect heat or even a conventional oven with wood chips for added smoky flavor!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 814kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 50g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Cholesterol: 150mg